We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
This is a bit of a serious talk.
“Viletta!”
“Vietta!”
Hand in hand, the twin Shooting Stars were captivated by the scenery below.
Though they had let out feminine squeals of “Kyaa!” at first, the ground below receded rapidly. In proportion, their field of vision expanded far into the distance.
The strange sensation of floating and the soft wind of the sky.
Enthraled by it all, Viletta and Vietta, like young girls, rejoiced innocently and gazed dazzlingly at the sky’s scenery.
“Is that understood, Shooting Stars Viletta and Vietta? An experience this precious is not something ordinary people can have, you know?”
“Yes, we are deeply moved!”
“We’re flying through the sky!”
“Meow.”
I was like that too. My family was too.
The sky, a sight that is always there when you look up, is a space that everyone naturally recognizes as being accessible only to birds and those with wings. They believe they can only look up at it.
When those on the ground are invited to the sky.
Everyone is moved and captivated from the bottom of their hearts.
To the special world of the sky.
“But, we’re just getting started!”
In response to my call, Naimia ascended further.
Naimia’s large back. The gentle body heat transmitted from her seated hindquarters, the fur wrapped around my waist, and Naimia’s protection. All of these combined to give us on her back a sense of security.
Therefore, even as we ascend higher, we are not afraid.
Instead, our hearts leap with joy at the magnificent view, piercing through clouds, crossing mountain peaks, and seeing the mountain ranges far into the distance.
Viletta and Vietta were also crying out in amazement at the endless, expansive beauty of the sky.
“Now, give thanks to Naimia, an Ancient Dragon Species! Even ordinary wyverns and winged dragons cannot fly beyond the clouds, you know? This is a sight that only Naimia can show us!”
I bragged about Naimia’s abilities as if they were my own.
The twin Shooting Stars, with tears of emotion in their eyes, expressed their deep gratitude to me and Naimia.
“When you return, you should brag to the other Shooting Stars.”
“When you return, you should spread the word to the other Shooting Stars.”
“Mew. I’ll give everyone a ride. Mew. But one at a time.”
“Even Naimia, amazing as she is, can’t carry over thirty Shooting Stars all at once, can she?”
“Lady Rayarin could carry them.”
“She’s a long-bodied dragon, after all.”
“Um, could Mother Asher carry them too?”
“I wonder?”
“Lord Sleigsta could.”
“Lord Sleigsta could carry them.”
“Alright, let’s invite Grandpa next time!”
Unintentionally, I fell back into our usual family conversation. But since the Shooting Stars are riding with us, we should include them in the conversation!
Ruilala? Surprisingly, he is quietly observing the scenery below.
Ruilala likes the sky scenery too, doesn’t he?
“Now, for the sightseeing tour. To your right, you can see the Dragon Peaks, a rugged mountainous region.”
It is a place where dragons roam freely, and one can be attacked by magic beasts or monsters if careless. But at the same time, various spectacular views exist in different locations, and lush nature spreads out.
The Dragon Peaks are where the Dragon Race lives. It is where Mistral grew up, and it is our second home.
“Speaking of Mr. Mistral, is he Mrs. Elnea’s husband?”
“I am Elnea-kun’s wife too.”
Yufiria and Nina stated in unison, puffing out their chests.
“Come to think of it, you two have the same surname, don’t you?”
“Does that mean?”
“Uh…”
“Um! Big Brother has seven wives!”
” “What!?” ”
Viletta and Vietta’s eyes widened.
It’s understandable.
Even I could only manage a wry smile.
“Ah. I’ll explain that later! Now, please look to your left.”
Yufiria and Nina laughed as I forcefully steered the conversation back to the sightseeing.
It can’t be helped, can it? Because if we started talking about my wives here, we’d reach the North Sea without enjoying the magnificent sky view!
The first thing I pointed out was a sacred mountain with a gently sloping base.
From high above the clouds, the summit of the sacred mountain was clearly visible.
However, the large branches and leaves of the Spirit Tree were not visible there.
Heh heh heh.
The sacred mountain is protected by an ultimate Bewildering Technique and Illusionary Technique!
A long time ago.
When I visited the Spirit Village in the Dragon Forest.
The Spirit Kings presented me with a supreme treasure.
It’s a flower that looks like a jewel, a mysterious artificial flower imbued with various elemental powers in its petals, stem, and leaves.
The Spirit Kings gave it to me, saying it would be needed someday.
And indeed, it became necessary.
The Spirit Tree, rooted at the summit of the sacred mountain.
The Spirit Tree, which had grown into a giant tree at some point, had a magnificent form with a tall trunk and wide branches and leaves.
However, this created a problem where the Spirit Tree on the summit of the sacred mountain could be seen even from a distance.
So, Grandma Yuuri took action.
Using the supreme treasure from the Spirit Kings, she cast an ultimate Bewildering Technique and Illusionary Technique over the entire sacred mountain. Thanks to that, even when looking down on the sacred mountain from the sky, the Spirit Tree’s form is hidden.
Still, carried by the flow of the wind, we could clearly feel the presence of the Spirit Tree.
“Alright, you two. You must not climb that beautiful sacred mountain, okay? Look, you can see the crack on the southern mountainside, can’t you? The Thousand-Handed Spider lives there!”
Viletta and Vietta, moved by the beauty of the sacred mountain, turned pale at the mention of the Thousand-Handed Spider.
Yes, a good reaction.
If they truly understood the terror of the legendary magic beast, the Thousand-Handed Spider, they would not carelessly approach the sacred mountain.
Well, even before that, I am sure they will absolutely obey since they are pure and righteous Miko.
I continued with the sightseeing.
“Look, you can see many lakes from the north side of the sacred mountain, right? They are scattered all the way to the North Sea, and it is said there are over a thousand.”
“It’s a wonderful view.”
“Did you count those lakes, Elnea-sama?”
“No, we haven’t counted them yet! In fact, we’ve only recently moved to the Forbidden Territory. So, you see. The Forbidden Territory extends further west, where you can see the sacred mountain and the lakes, but we haven’t fully explored that area yet.”
“You know, Priscilla has gone for a walk over there with Teruru!”
At Priscilla-chan’s innocent boast, the two tilted their heads and asked, “Who is Teruru-chan?”
Laughing, Yufiria and Nina added an explanation.
“Teruru-chan is the name of the Thousand-Handed Spider.”
“Even Shooting Stars can all ride on Teruru-chan’s back at once.”
” “What!!” ”
Viletta and Vietta turned pale again.
“I’ll introduce you to Teruru-chan next time, okay?”
Priscilla-chan added the finishing blow mercilessly.
Viletta and Vietta hugged each other’s shoulders and began to tremble.
“Now, now, all three of you. Don’t tease the Shooting Stars.”
“Priscilla isn’t trying to tease them.”
“I’m only trying to tease you and Yufi-nee-sama.”
“You two, be modest!”
They are a troublesome trio.
“Oh, we’re passing through the Dragon King’s Forest now. Viletta-san, Vietta-san. It’s alright. Trust me, okay? More importantly, look. The Dragon King’s Forest is spreading out below us, so please look down.”
At my prompting, the two turned their gaze towards the ground.
Thanks to Naimia tilting her body slightly, we didn’t need to lean over from her back to look down.
Thank you, Naimia.
“Meow.”
Far below Naimia, who was flying slowly in accordance with the sightseeing, the deep nature of the Dragon King’s Forest spread out.
Trees grew more lushly than anywhere else in the Forbidden Territory, and nature, having grown to its fullest in the summer, sparkled in the sunlight.
“Priscilla-chan’s mother and the Mimicho Race live in that forest.”
“Are they the Mimicho people who took care of us at the mansion?”
“No, they live at the mansion for certain reasons.”
“So, other Mimicho people then?”
“Yes. Mimicho people who have migrated from the Dragon Forest, our hometown forest, live there. Now, let me introduce them!”
With that, I grandly pointed to the empty air.
“In the Dragon King’s Forest spreading out below us, the ones who take care of the many spirits living there are Yunyun and Rinrin!”
Yufiria, Nina, Priscilla-chan, and Ares-chan clapped their hands.
“Good grief. What a way to introduce us.”
“Hmph. Elnea, can you not use us as a plaything?”
Then, two figures, who looked like Mimicho girls, materialized in the empty air!
However, they were a little different from ordinary Mimicho.
The two were floating in the air.
Viletta and Vietta seemed to have immediately sensed the unusual presence of Yunyun and Rinrin.
As expected. From the way they moved when the Demon Lord visited, I thought all the Shooting Stars were extraordinary, and I was right.
“This is Yunyun. The eldest of the three sisters. And this is Rinrin. The second daughter. The third daughter is working hard as a sage in the distant Great Forest. Oh, they are both sages too! And they are also caretakers of the spirits in the Dragon King’s Forest, as well as Priscilla-chan’s guardian, supervisor, and educator!”
“Wait, Elnea. Your introduction is sloppy!”
“We serve the spirits for a reason. When you visit the Dragon Forest, we will guide you on their behalf.”
“That’s right. Please be understanding of the spirits’ pranks?”
It seems the two Shooting Stars had never seen spirits, let alone Mimicho.
That’s why they listened to Yunyun and Rinrin’s stories honestly, without deeply questioning their unusual way of existence.
“Well, since we’re talking about spirits, let’s introduce Ares-chan too?”
“Intro intro.”
Ares-chan suddenly teleported onto my lap, making Viletta and Vietta’s eyes widen in surprise.
Everything they see must be new and moving.
Everyone, not just me, smiles at their honest reactions.
“Now then. Let me introduce this young girl.”
I held Ares-chan and brought her before Viletta and Vietta.
And!
Ares-san transformed!
Into a charming adult form!
“Ta-da! Surprise! Ares-chan is Ares-san!”
“Elnea, you idiot?”
“Then, it wouldn’t make any sense.”
Yunyun and Rinrin sighed, and Viletta and Vietta gasped and looked up at the adult form of Ares-san.
“Hahaha. I’m sorry. Actually, Ares-san is a special spirit. So, they can freely change from a young girl’s form to an adult’s form.”
Then I explained about spirits.
For weak spirits, one can only sense their presence. With a little more power, they can manifest in the world as specks of light.
Then, as they take on smaller forms like insects or fish, or larger and more intelligent forms like birds or beasts, their status as spirits increases.
The ultimate form of those spirits is to become human.
Furthermore, even in human form, there are forms ranging from small children to adults, and adult spirits like Ares-san are exceptional beings.
The two Shooting Stars listened intently to my explanation.
“Then, Ares-sama is…!”
“Yes. The most revered spirit!”
“Revere me, Elnea.”
“Haaah.”
Viletta and Vietta laughed as they watched me and Priscilla-chan prostrate ourselves before Ares-san.
Good, their smiles are increasing.
The situation of the demon Ruilala riding on Naimia’s back.
The current situation of a large and deep problem.
Nevertheless, what is important is to live in the present and firmly walk the path that leads to the future.
Abruptly, I changed the subject slightly.
“Our master is an amazing person who has lived for over two thousand years. That master always tells us, ‘From the perspective of overlooking the world, we are truly insignificant beings.'”
I indicated Yunyun and Rinrin. I hugged Ares-chan, who had returned to her young girl form. I stroked Naimia’s back.
“See, even among those close to us, there are beings far superior to us.”
So, I looked at Viletta and Vietta.
“I am often scolded that the world does not revolve around us. I agree. That is why we do not have to bear everything alone.”
Certainly, if a problem arises before our eyes, we cannot ignore it. If we know of a disturbance, we become concerned. We want to help those involved as much as possible.
But we are not necessarily required to intervene.
Those who caused the problem. Those involved in the disturbance. Those with whom they have had connections throughout their lives. They too are shining their own lives and living earnestly in this world.
Therefore, excessive interference is not good.
Matters that can be resolved by themselves should be resolved by themselves.
For us to get involved simply because “we are curious” is mere busybodying.
“I believe that not only you two, but all the Shooting Stars must be facing deep problems and worries. But even so, you must not abandon the present! You came to this Forbidden Territory while bearing problems and worries. This means that, from a broader perspective of overlooking the world, it must be something important for you.”
Therefore, please cherish the present.
When it’s fun, have fun.
When there are opportunities to laugh, laugh.
When playing, play, but when serving, put all your effort into serving!
“I know it’s presumptuous for me to say this to the Shooting Stars, but I will say it! The Goddess does not present trials that lead to despair. If the worries and problems you are currently bearing are trials given by the Goddess, then with perseverance, they will surely lead to a bright future!”
To that end, without letting worries and problems that are currently out of reach dominate your thoughts and lives, live each moment to the fullest to connect to the future!
I declared this with uncharacteristic passion.
Hmm, perhaps my words lack conviction?
After all, I am an unreliable person who sometimes neglects my daily prayers.
For someone like me to mention the Goddess and speak to the Shooting Stars might be met with exasperation.
However, I felt it was important.
From now on. I believe the Shooting Stars will be staying in the Forbidden Territory for some time.
Perhaps, somewhere far away, Ada-san is facing hardship.
However, we cannot lend Ada-san a hand. Because we cannot, the Shooting Stars are currently deeply suffering and troubled.
So, what should we and the Shooting Stars do?
When I considered that.
I tried to look at things from a global perspective.
Then, the answer is shown in the teachings I have received thus far.
To trust Ada-san and wait.
If we do that, the world will turn, and eventually, our destinies will align.
However, we must make an effort for our destinies to align.
I believe that this means trusting and waiting now, and replenishing our energy for the future.
Although I felt embarrassed, I spoke earnestly.
Then, Viletta and Vietta, who had been listening intently to my story woven with my clumsy words, nodded with tears of joy and smiles.
“Elnea-sama, you are truly a splendid person. We are deeply moved.”
“Indeed. We will trust and wait for that person. Perhaps that is the trial most required of us now.”
“Thank you for showing us the way.” They bowed deeply.
“Elnea-kun made an older woman cry.”
“Elnea-kun is trying to seduce the Shooting Stars.”
“No, no, no! I’m not trying to seduce them, nor did I intend to make them cry!”
“Um, I need to report this to Mist.”
“Mikkoku mikkoku.”
“Priscilla-chan, Ares-chan!?”
Even though I made a serious effort to deliver a heartfelt speech, in the end, everyone just got rowdy, didn’t they?
Of course, that is our unwavering policy of “living each moment to the fullest and enjoying it.”
Viletta and Vietta quickly wiped away their tears and returned to their enjoyable journey in the sky, joining in our commotion.
Well, the North Sea is finally coming into view!
Clicking the heart allows you to easily convey your support. (Login required)
Support
Log in if you have an account
Learn more about the reading experience on Kakuyomu
